How to Tell What Is Inside Chocolates

Sure, they look good on the outside, but what's the flavor on the inside? (Image: Martin Poole/Photodisc/Getty Images)

Boxes of chocolates, most often given at Valentine's Day, also are presented at other holidays, anniversaries and birthdays. Although a huge part of the appeal of a box of assorted chocolates is the variety of fillings inside the chocolate candies, it can be off-putting to put what you think is a caramel truffle in your mouth, only to discover that it is filled with coconut cream. Thankfully, confectioners do give us ways to tell what is inside filled chocolates.

Video of the Day

Look at the box, as it may give you an idea of what types of chocolates are included. For example, a sampler of "nuts and chews" likely will have a lot of nut flavors and very few fruit flavors. Closely examine the packaging for a guide to chocolates in each section of the box. This may be printed on the back of the box, on a paper insert on top of the chocolates or under the tray of chocolates.

Contact the manufacturer through its 800 number or go to its website to inquire about what markings on the exteriors of the chocolates signify. For example, a certain color of chocolate drizzle may indicate a truffle filling, while a single nut on the top of the chocolate may indicate a peanut butter filling. These markings are not universal, vary by manufacturer and may vary seasonally. For example, a manufacturer may add hearts or colored chocolates as decorative elements to the outsides of chocolates sold around Valentine's Day.

The 800 number for the manufacturer will be listed on the package of chocolates you have purchased, or may also be found by doing an internet search for the company and clicking on their "Contact Us" page. The manufacturer's website often, but not always, will include close-ups of each type of chocolate, allowing you to visually identify the markings on your chocolate and match it with the flavor listed on the website. One example of a site with this type of usability is See's Candies, linked below in the Resources Section.

Break a corner of the chocolate to expose the filling. If you are the only person who will eat the chocolates, you don't have to worry about them looking pretty. If you are sharing the chocolates or will give them to a loved one, breaking or squashing is out of the question, as the fillings may ooze out and lose their original flavors and textures. It also may make the candy more prone to spoilage.

Give the chocolates a sniff test. You won't always be able to smell the filling from the outside without breaking the chocolate layer, but strong scents like mint, peanut butter or toasted coconut can be easy to determine by people with good noses.

Examine the chocolate's profile. The textures of certain fillings can show through the chocolate coating, allowing you to make an educated guess about the flavor within. For example, coconut may have a jagged appearance under the chocolate and chunks of nuts can create a bumpy texture.